Dad is Back From a Deserted Island - Chapter 84

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Father has returned from the Deserted Island
Chapter 84

It was possible precisely because few people knew the face of Dietrich, who was a prince yet had lived in isolation from the outside world for an extraordinarily long time.
Still, Vivian couldn’t help but feel disheartened upon hearing that even the Emperor and Empress wouldn’t recognize Dietrich’s face properly—though she herself paid it no mind whatsoever.
“Yes. When you came to the Northern Region, you were introduced as the sickly young master of a family we owed a debt to.”
It wasn’t entirely false. I did owe a debt to Dietrich’s Castle, and I was indeed a frail young master.
“It must be inconvenient not to receive treatment befitting a prince from the people…”
“That doesn’t matter to me at all.”
Dietrich was the sort who felt nothing more than annoyance even toward those who had tried to kill him. How others treated him was of no consequence.
“Is that so? Then that’s a relief. Come now, give me your hand.”
Vivian extended her hand. Dietrich gazed at her pale, delicate fingers for a moment before grasping them.
There was something else I had discovered during our journey to the Capital.
Dietrich’s health was maintained conditionally. If the intervals between receiving power through contact with Vivian grew too long, even a cold breeze would leave him burning with fever. The more frequently and longer he remained in contact with Vivian, the healthier Dietrich became.
Vivian could finally set aside one worry. Dietrich’s health was a crucial factor in his path to becoming Emperor. Who would support a prince who bled or collapsed at the slightest provocation?
‘Now that we’ve arrived in the Capital, it feels like the real beginning.’
To be honest, the task of making Dietrich Emperor still seemed impossibly daunting.
The realization that she herself had become a vital key sent tension coursing through her, and her grip on his hand tightened involuntarily. Dietrich held her hand without uttering a word.

* * *

Upon returning to the Capital, Jean de Lamber was not the only one whose schedule had grown hectic. Though the Petit Debutante had ended in disarray, news of Vivian’s return—having made her face and name known at the event—spread rapidly through the city.
Despite some lingering questions about her health, Vivian remained an enchanting presence in High Society. An only daughter lavished with her wealthy father’s affection, she found herself inundated with invitations from those eager to cultivate favorable connections with her.
Where once Vivian would have confined herself to appropriate gatherings with Luca and Elise, she now resolved to participate more actively in social events.
“Diti. What do you think of this? There’s an event being held at a newly opened Art Gallery.”
It was a celebration marking the opening of a new exhibition. Since she could hardly drag Diti, who had yet to make an appearance in High Society, directly to a grand ball, this venue seemed ideally suited for their first public appearance together.
‘It’s a difficult undertaking, but I must see it through.’
I could not reveal Dietrich’s true identity just yet. He was a prince unloved by the Emperor—exposure in High Society would only invite danger.
And yet, paradoxically, I needed to make an impression on High Society’s influential figures and gather supporters.
The only saving grace was that no one truly knew Dietrich’s face, which made even this attempt possible.
“This is actually my first time attending an event like this. Now that I’ve completed the Petit Debutante, I’m amazed at how many invitations actually arrive.”
“The Petit Debutante?”
“Yes. I was so nervous going to something like that for the first time. Now that I think about it, how many balls have you attended, Diti?”
It was a casual question posed while examining the invitation, but no answer came.
When I turned around, Dietrich was simply staring at me with a vacant expression.
“I’ve never attended one.”
“Never?”
My eyes widened. It made sense—Dietrich had been in Norvalang all this time, so he would have had no occasion to attend balls.
“You were even an Emperor. Yet you’ve never attended a ball?”
“There was no particular reason to go. No one was desperate enough to invite me, either.”
[Vivian. Who would invite such a man?]
His words rang true. Even before the regression, people had feared Dietrich.
Nobles harboring ambitions to marry their daughters to the powerful Emperor would lose their nerve the moment they stood before him.
Naturally, no noble would dare send an invitation to such a Dietrich.
“So… you don’t know how to dance? Or do you? You can dance, right?”
“….”
Dietrich fell silent. My head began to spin.
Balls were essential for establishing one’s footing in High Society. One had to meet people at such events, earn their favor, and gather supporters—yet he couldn’t even dance.
The list of things to accomplish in my “Project: Emperor Dietrich” had just grown longer.
“Don’t worry, Diti. I’m confident in my dancing, at least.”
Fortunately, I was a favored student of my dance instructor and had captivated countless people with my dancing at the Petit Debutante.
I patted my chest reassuringly, telling him to trust only me. At the sight of this, a faint smile curved the corners of Dietrich’s lips.

* * *

The three of them and one divine beast decided to attend the Art Gallery’s opening celebration.
It might have been premature for Dietrich to reveal himself to the public just yet, but time was not on our side.
Less than a decade remained before Dietrich turned back time. Making an unknown prince into an Emperor within such a narrow window was nearly impossible.
Since I had to challenge the impossible, I had no choice but to take the risks.
I also needed to observe how people reacted upon seeing Dietrich.
Thanks to Vivian staying by his side constantly, the Mansion’s servants didn’t feel terror beyond mere fear toward Dietrich, but that level of fearlessness wasn’t enough.
Fortunately, not many high-ranking nobles were attending this event.
The standing of the noble who owned the Art Gallery was barely adequate, and those who accepted his invitation would be of similar standing. It was a suitable place to test things from multiple angles.
“Your Majesty. I know it’s difficult, but please, I beg you, use formal speech with the people you meet.”
“Understood.”
….
“Understood, sir.”
Jean de Lamber’s face finally showed some relief. Regardless, Dietrich kept staring intently at Vivian sitting beside him.
“Why are you staring like that?”
“It’s the first time I’ve seen you dressed like this. You look beautiful.”
Today, Vivian had dressed more lavishly than usual for the event. It was a sight one would never see during her leisure time in Norvalang or at the Mansion.
At Dietrich’s words, Vivian’s face flushed red. This boy truly had no sense of embarrassment!
“Don’t look. You’ll wear it out.”
Jean de Lamber’s gaze from the front seat turned sharp and piercing.
Of course, Dietrich paid no attention whatsoever.
Dietrich was also dressed differently today. Unlike his usual comfortable shirts and trousers, he was now properly dressed in formal attire for the event, presenting an entirely different appearance.
‘He’s definitely gained weight.’
When I first saw him, Dietrich was so gaunt I wondered how he could even walk, but thanks to proper nourishment, he no longer looked pitifully thin.
Of course, compared to the physique I’d seen in my dreams, he still fell short, but considering he was still a growing boy, it was acceptable.
The fragile, breakable atmosphere had vanished, replaced by a languid, world-weary aura that enveloped him.
Every detail mattered—from the inner shirt to the cufflinks on his wrists—all chosen from the finest options.
As we chatted, the carriage arrived at its destination. Jean de Lamber stepped out first, then Vivian took his hand and descended.
The mere sight of father and daughter was enough to draw the attention of those who had arrived earlier. With all eyes gathered, Dietrich revealed himself.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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